Comprehension Passage

Read the passage, then answer the 6 questions that follow. Marking schemes are included.

Read the passage below and answer questions that follow

The world's oceans cover more than 70 percent of the Earth's surface. They are home to millions of species, many of which have not yet been discovered. Oceans play a critical role in regulating the Earth's climate by absorbing heat from the sun and distributing it around the globe through ocean currents.

Marine ecosystems are under threat from human activities. Pollution, particularly plastic waste, has become a major concern. Every year, approximately eight million tonnes of plastic end up in the oceans, harming marine life and entering the food chain.

Overfishing is another serious problem. Many fish populations have declined significantly due to excessive harvesting. Scientists warn that if current fishing practices continue, some species could face extinction within decades.

Conservation efforts are underway in many countries. Marine protected areas have been established to allow ecosystems to recover. International agreements aim to reduce pollution and regulate fishing practices. However, experts agree that much more needs to be done to protect our oceans for future generations.

  1. Question 1

    1 mark

    According to the passage, oceans help regulate the Earth's climate by

    A. producing oxygen for living things

    B. absorbing and distributing heat from the sun

    C. creating rain clouds over the land

    D. cooling the atmosphere at night

    (1 mark)

    Marking scheme

    B

  2. Question 2

    1 mark

    The word 'critical' as used in the passage means

    A. dangerous

    B. negative

    C. very important

    D. uncertain

    (1 mark)

    Marking scheme

    C

  3. Question 3

    1 mark

    Which of the following is a threat to marine ecosystems according to the passage?

    A. Ocean currents changing direction

    B. Plastic pollution in the seas

    C. Too many marine protected areas

    D. Discovery of new species

    (1 mark)

    Marking scheme for this question

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  4. Question 4

    1 mark

    From the passage, we can infer that

    A. all fish species will become extinct soon

    B. conservation efforts have completely solved ocean problems

    C. protecting oceans requires global cooperation

    D. plastic waste is only harmful to large marine animals

    (1 mark)

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  5. Question 5

    1 mark

    Which one of the following would be the best title for this passage?

    A. How fish are caught

    B. The importance and threats to our oceans

    C. Why plastic is useful

    D. The history of ocean exploration

    (1 mark)

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  6. Question 6

    1 mark

    The author's main purpose in writing this passage is to

    A. entertain readers with ocean stories

    B. persuade people to stop eating fish

    C. inform readers about ocean issues and conservation

    D. describe different types of marine animals

    (1 mark)

    Marking scheme for this question

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